I think Santa Claus is a woman ... I hate to be the one to defy sacred myth,
but I believe he's a she.

Think about it. Christmas is a big, organized, warm, fuzzy, nurturing social
deal, and I have a tough time believing a guy could possibly pull it all off!

For starters, the vast majority of men don't even think about selecting
gifts until Christmas Eve. It's as if they are all frozen in some kind of
Ebenezerian Time Warp until 3 p.m. on Dec. 24th, when they - with amazing
calm - call other errant men and plan for a last-minute shopping spree.

Once at the mall, they always seem surprised to find only Ronco products,
socket wrench sets, and mood rings left on the shelves. (You might think
this would send them into a fit of panic and guilt, but my husband tells me
it's an enormous relief because it lessens the 11th hour decision-making
burden.) On this count alone, I'm convinced Santa is a woman. Surely, if he
were a man, everyone in the universe would wake up Christmas morning to find
a rotating musical Chia Pet under the tree, still in the bag.

Another problem for a he-Santa would be getting there. First of all, there
would be no reindeer because they would all be dead, gutted and strapped on
to the rear bumper of the sleigh amid wide-eyed, desperate claims that buck
season had been extended. Blitzen's rack would already be on the way to the
taxidermist.

Even if the male Santa DID have reindeer, he'd still have transportation
problems because he would inevitably get lost up there in the snow and
clouds and then refuse to stop and ask for directions.

Add to this the fact that there would be unavoidable delays in the chimney,
where the Bob Vila-like Santa would stop to inspect and repoint bricks in
the flue. He would also need to check for carbon monoxide fumes in every
gas fireplace, and get under every Christmas tree that is crooked to
straighten it to a perfectly upright 90-degree angle.

Other reasons why Santa can't possibly be a man:

Men can't pack a bag.

Men would rather be dead than caught wearing red velvet.

Men would feel their masculinity is threatened ... having to be seen with
all those elves.

Men don't answer their mail.

Men would refuse to allow their physique to be described even in jest as
anything remotely resembling a "bowlful of jelly."

Men aren't interested in stockings unless somebody's wearing them.

Having to do the "Ho Ho Ho" thing would seriously inhibit their ability to
pick up women.

Finally, being responsible for Christmas would require a commitment.

I can buy the fact that other mythical characters are men ...

Father Time shows up once a year unshaven and looking ominous.
Definite guy.

Cupid flies around carrying weapons.
Guy

Uncle Sam is a politician who likes to point fingers.
Ditto

Any one of these individuals could pass the testosterone screening test.
But not St. Nick. Not a chance. As long as we have each other, good will,
peace on earth, faith and Nat King Cole's version of "The Christmas Song,"
it probably makes little difference what gender Santa is.